MOT History from tests of petrol BMW M3s year 1987

Review the list of common BMW M3 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:72.36%

(The average a petrol BMW M3 year 1987 passes without issue)

Based on:1,089 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	91
Brake pipe excessively corroded	43
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	40
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	24
Registration plate issues	19
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	17
Registration plate lamp issues	16
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	15
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	14
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	13
Nearside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	12
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	12
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	11
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	11
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	11
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	10
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	9
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	9
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	8
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	7
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	7
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	6
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	6
Windscreen washer not working	6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	5
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	5
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	5
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	5
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	4
Windscreen has damage	4
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	4
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	4
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	4
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	4
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	4
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	4
Rear brake binding	4
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated \|3.6.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	3
Horn control missing \|1.6.1\|	3
Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working \|4.9.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	3
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	3
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	3
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	3
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	3
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	3
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	3
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	3
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	3
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Offside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	3
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	3
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	3
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	2
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	2
Rear fog lamp not working \|4.5.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Nearside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Offside Front Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Offside Rear Wheel bolt\|s\| missing \|4.2.A.1e\|	2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	2
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	2
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken \|5.3.1 \|b\| \|i\|\|	2
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	2
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Centre Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	2
Nearside Rear Shock absorber insecure \|2.7.2b\|	2
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	2
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	2
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	2
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	2
Offside Rear Direction indicator excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.4.A.2e\|	2
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	2
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported \|3.6.B.1\|	1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings jacking point \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings jacking point \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Offside Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	1
Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))	1
Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	1
Vehicle Identification Number not permanently displayed \|6.3.5.a\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	1
Nearside Front Lower coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Rear Lower coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	1
Nearside Inner Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Rear Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.C.3c\|	1
Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the nearside \|3.7.C.2\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6.B1\|	1
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6.B1\|	1
Nearside Rear Road wheel bead rim badly distorted \|4.2.A.1a\|	1
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on not working \|8.2.1b\|	1
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Upper Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	1
Offside Front suspension has a suspension lower ball joint securing nut loose \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn shock absorber pivot \|2.7.4\|	1
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting damaged and its strength is seriously reduced \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Suspension arm worn and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension arm worn and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	1
Front Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	1
Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	1
Offside Front Shock absorber insecure \|2.7.2b\|	1
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|4.5.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Rear Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicator excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.4.A.2e\|	1
Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Front Lower Front suspension has a suspension lower ball joint securing nut loose \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Front Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Nearside Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering rack fitted\| \|2.2.A.1b\|	1
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	1
Offside Front Position lamp light intensity significantly reduced (4.2.3 (a) (ii))	1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases center pipe blowing (6.1.2 (a))	1
Nearside Front Wheel bearing so rough it is likely to overheat or break up (5.1.3 (b) (ii))	1
Offside Front Wheel bearing so rough it is likely to overheat or break up (5.1.3 (b) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the seat \|5.2.1a\|	1
Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced floor holeld as marked \|6.1.1 \|c\| \|i\|\|	1
Offside Front passenger seat insecure \|6.2.3\|	1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking brake pipe to hose \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Rear fog lamp switch inoperative (4.5.3 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Side repeater missing (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Side repeater missing (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))	1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Centre Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	1
Nearside Outer Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	1
Power steering component leaking (2.1.5 (a))	1
Offside Rear Hydraulic brake calliper inadequately mounted (1.1.16 (c) (i))	1
Nearside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Inner Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	1
Offside Inner Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Front Headlamp missing \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp missing \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Headlamp aim not tested no lamps fitted \|4.1.2 \|b\|\|	1
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Rear Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear Fluid leaking continuously posing a serious risk to road safety fuel leaking from valve under fuel pump (8.4.1 (a) (ii))	1
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Brake pipe seriously damaged \|found during steering lock to lock check\| \|2.2.D.2b\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))	1
Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))	1
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	1
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))	1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.1.3 \|b\| \|i\|\|	1
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded osf inner sill area \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Shock absorber insecure \|2.7.2b\|	1
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	1
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Offside Outer Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Outer Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Front Brake hose twisted \|3.6.B.4c\|	1
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only \|3.1.2\|	1
Nearside Front Panhard rod ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Drivers view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen materially affected by an obstruction (3.1 (a) (ii))	1
Power steering pipe/hose leaking At steering rack (2.1.5 (a))	1
Nearside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))	1
Nearside Front Inner Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	1
Offside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))	1
Exhaust noise is clearly in excess of that emitted by a similar vehicle fitted with a standard silencer in average condition \|7.1.4\|	1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage fractured \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Front brake disc cracked \|3.5.1h\|	1
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded inner sill and arch \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded shock \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded shock \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Speedometer cannot be illuminated. \|6.7.3\|	1
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	1
Nearside Inner Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Inner Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering sill (6.1.1 (c) (ii))	1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering wheel arch corroded (6.1.1 (c) (ii))	1
Offside Inner Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (ii))	1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering floor well corroded (6.1.1 (c) (ii))	1
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	1
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim not tested \|1.8.A.1c\|	1
Front brake application uneven	1
Rear brake application uneven	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Fuel pipe excessively damaged \|7.2.2\|	1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases front pipe to middle \|7.1.2\|	1
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush bonding deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing \|5.1.1\|	1
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Hazard warning switch missing \|1.4.B.1d\|	1
Body or chassis is damaged, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)	1
Centre Front Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate \|3.4.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	1
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	1
Nearside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute \|1.4.A.2g\|	1
Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	1
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	1
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Sub-frame has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Rear Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Offside Front Braking system leaking pipe/caliper \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Front Side repeater missing both \|1.4.A.2b\|	1
Rear Rear fog lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.3.2d\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar worn and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	1
Offside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	1
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Body has a projection caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Offside Front Body has a projection caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Body has a projection caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	1
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Front Anti-roll bar missing \|2.4.G.1\|	1
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Rear Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	1
Nearside Rear Axle beam has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam \|2.5.A.1a\|	1
Offside Rear Axle beam has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam \|2.5.A.1a\|	1
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	1
Nearside Front Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front Lower Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Rear brake caliper has restricted free movement Nearside & Offside \|3.5.1k\|	1
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Front Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	1
Offside Obligatory mirror missing \|8.1.1\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Direction indicator insecure \|1.4.A.2b\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Outer Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Outer Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier \|4.13 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Headlamp aim so that beam "kick up" is not visible on the screen LHD headlamp fitted \|4.1.2 \|a\|\|	1
Offside Headlamp aim so that beam "kick up" is not visible on the screen LHD Headlamp fitted \|4.1.2 \|a\|\|	1
Offside Side repeater not working \|4.4.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect \|2.7.5\|	1
Centre Exhaust mounting missing \|7.1.1b\|	1
Offside Front An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Nearside Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	1
Steering rack insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	1
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Nearside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade missing \|8.2.2\|	1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Emissions not tested \|7.3.A.1\|	1
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage loose \|7.1.1 \|b\|\|	1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage loose \|7.1.1 \|b\|\|	1
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|4.5.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Side repeater missing \|4.4.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Side repeater missing \|4.4.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	1
Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|5.3.4 \|b\| \|ii\|\|	1
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	1
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor/inner sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor/inner sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Rear fog lamp switch missing \|1.3.1a\|	1
Rear Rear fog lamp missing \|1.3.2a\|	1
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	1
Power steering component leaking \|2.1.5 \|a\|\|	1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Power steering malfunctioning \|2.3.3a\|	1
Nearside Front All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Rear All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW M3s year 1987

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